Bill Markovich, 88

William Frances Markovich

Nov 27, 2017

April 27, 1929-Nov. 24, 2017

November 24, 2017 the last chapter of my life was written, my journey here on earth has ended. He was a loving husband, fantastic father, brother and loyal friend. I was born on April 27, 1929 to John and Mary (Plute) Markovich, and also welcomed by my big brother John, whom I adored.

I went to grade school at the Sacred Heart and St Ann’s and graduating from Boys Central with the class of 1947. I started working at a very young age and continued working up till I was in my late 70’s, loving and looking forward to what that day would bring to me. Always up by 4:00 AM ready to start my day as planned. As a youngster I sold many a newspaper in uptown Butte and helped my brother deliver milk for Miners Dairy. In the summer I would work alongside of my dad at his construction jobs, those where great days for me. I always had a few bucks in my pocket.

After graduating from Boys Central, I worked for Butte Tin for a short time, but my heart always wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps. Loving and enjoying building, I started my own business in 1948 "MARKOVICH CONSTRUCTION" which I owned and operated for 40 years.

In 1978 my son Bill Jr. joined me as a partner and he still continues the operation of this business. That same year we built "YOUR KEY SELF STORAGE", we were partners till 1989, when I became soul owner.

In 1950 I married my high school sweetheart, Patricia (Shea) Markovich, We had four children, Bill Jr, Patti, Peggy and Denis. We enjoyed 24 years together, she was taken from earth too soon. Pat was my first true love and I loved her with all of my heart. We had many family vacations together but the thing we enjoyed the most is the time we were together at our cabin, which we built on the Big Hole River in 1959.

In 1976 I met my soul mate Peggy (Richards) Markovich, I fell in love with her unconditionally, she become my world, best friend, partner and she fulfilled my life. The sun shined down on both of our lives. We have had 42 awesome years together; all we ever needed was to be with one another, that is when we were the happiest. We have traveled the world, loved to dance, bowl, or just sit on the ocean for hours on end.

Peggy had two children David and Barbara, I welcomed them as my own, being a step parent is so much more than just a parent. We made the choice to love each other when we really didn’t have to. We have lived, loved, lost, missed, hurt, cried, laugh, trusted, made mistakes but most of all we have learned.

To my son Denis, thanks for always being there for me, for all the little rides you took me on, and for taking such good care of me, for our coffee at Arby’s in the AM and tea in the PM at the house. We have enjoyed lots of quality time together.

I do not regret the things I have done. I do regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance.

Bill is survived by many family and friends who love him and mourn his passing. As my time with my family and friends ends, my hope is that everyone will get along as they honor my memory. Those left behind to cherish my memory are my wife Peggy, who has made my life worth living, Bill (Sidni) Markovich, Corey (Kristi) Markovich, Megan (Jason) Cowdry, Keelie and Knox Markovich, Vanderbilt and Dagny Cowdry, Patti (Bob) Burns, Bobby Pat (Katrina), Jacey (Bill) Edwards, Josh (Joanna) Burns, Lliam Edwards, Peggy (Mike) Habich, Misty (Corey) Warner, Austin (Caroline) Habich, Kadynce and Cora Warner, Denis (Linda Pautsch), Tacey (Derek) Norris, Jordyn Foster, Madisyn and Emersyn Norris, David (Aliesha) Richards, Barbara (Jeff) Brown, and Meriah Taylor and Teal Taylor. My children are the rainbow of my life. My grandchildren are the pot of gold, along with my great grandchildren filling the space in my heart that I never knew was empty. Also survived by sister-in-law, Donna (Bill) Thomson; brothers-in-law, Jack (Darlene) Kristovich, and Frank (Penny) Kristovich; and cousin, Jim Markovich, who has been special to us both through this last journey of Bills life. Thank you.

Preceding Bill in death is the mother of his four children Patricia; parents, John and Mary; brother, John; and his nephew Gary Markovich, who he thought the world of. These loved ones were waiting for him when he arrived at his heavenly home. No one enters heaven alone, there is always someone to take you home. Soar high Mr. Bill, you are free.

Bill’s family will be forever grateful to the staff at the Crest Nursing Home who cared and loved Bill during the first year of his journey living with Alzheimer’s. To the Springs of Butte for the loving care he received during the last stages of this disease, and for the dignity and understanding given to his soul mate Peggy. A big thank you to Highland Hospice and Dr. Yates, you are wonderful, we couldn’t have done this without your help.

You all have made our journey a little easier to cope with, thank you all for your kindness, respect and thoughtfulness. You provided such loving care to the most the wonderful man that was placed here on earth, who we call husband, dad, gramps, and gonka.

We will have a celebration of Bill’s life for our friends and family on Wednesday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Duggan Dolan Mortuary, located at 1805 Meadowlark Lane. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 11:00 am in St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. The only thing I’ll be taking with me when I left this world I have packed safely inside my heart.